[IDstar]

I will be starting college in 2015 (I know that is a long time away, but I am making plans now because I have to know what I'm doing at least three months in advance or I freak out). I was wondering what to do about my OCD because it sometimes affects my schoolwork. (For example, having to check my essays at least twice and having to go through and check that I dotted my i's twice, which take a lot of time). I was wondering if anyone here has gone through this and if they told anyone. If you did, who did you tell and what did you do to make it less stressful?

[kaliope]

keep in mind that most colleges offer free counseling to their students. you could get a counselor for just this purpose. reveal your ocd secrets just to get them off your chest so you don't stress about them and you know it is confidential so nobody will know about what you said. take care.

[IDstar]

Originally Posted by kaliope

keep in mind that most colleges offer free counseling to their students. you could get a counselor for just this purpose.

Do many of them specialize in OCD, or are at least very familiar with it? In my experience and research, most deal with general problems. I've actually had a potential counselor ask what OCD is, and I do not want that to happen!

[kaliope]

You could probably ask for someone with experience in ocd

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[Eevee]

Going to college was the best thing I could have done for my OCD. For one, if your university is anything like mine, there will be a lot of resources for people with mental illnesses. We actually have a full medical clinic on campus, and the whole top floor is dedicated to psychological stuff with a staff of therapists. I'd look into whichever college you chose to go to and see if they have something similar. Also, you'll meet a ton if new people, and if your experience is anything like mine was, like attracts like. You might find that a lot of your new friends have psych issues as well, and it's a LOT easier to go through stuff as a team.

As for schoolwork, when my symptoms were at their worst, it was a little challenging to get things done. Aside from getting therapy and the usual advice, try working in a public place, like a library or student union-type place or study area. I've found it's a lot easier to resist carrying out compulsions in a setting where other people are around (my symptoms tend to be worse at home or at my dorm). That's just me though -- something else might work better for you. Best of luck! (:

[Zebra821]

College was where my symptoms completely went out of control. I wasn't medicated and I just lost my mind. Not to scare you, but if you are on medication and already seeing a therapist, you're doing the right thing! There are disability centers that you can talk to, if you get accepted (which you will- I did) they will make certain accommodations for you. Professors will give you more time on projects, you'll be able to take tests by yourself. You can talk to a counselor. Take advantage of your school's resources. I wish I knew about the disability center when I first started. It has helped me tremendously.

[gubernova]

I stayed at my local college as close to home as possible where I could go home to a familiar environment and see my therapists. My parents were very supportive.

[Hottiedepressed]

DBT therapy and Luvox/Luvox CR would help greatly!

[ombrétwilight]

Hey I'm also starting college next year and I have OCD too. I've gone to see my school counsellor for this because I'm VERY particular about neat handwriting and have to highlight with a ruler etc. I go through a 12m roll of correction tape per week, which is very expensive and annoying. I also need to arrange my books/stationery parallel to the edge of my table and touch things with both hands in a certain pattern for an even number of times. These are just some of the most prominent symptoms that affect my school life, and I've found that speaking to my school T helps a lot.

Only 2 of my friends know about this besides her. They're my best friends so it was not so stressful.